Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Quantitative Analyses of all Influenza Type A Viral Hemagglutinins and Neuraminidases using Universal Antibodies in Simple Slot Blot Assays
Published on: April 4, 2011
Antiviral antibody responses: the two extremes of a wide spectrum
Lars Hangartner1, Rolf M Zinkernagel, Hans Hengartner
1Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Viruses elicit a diverse spectrum of antiviral antibody responses. In this review, we discuss two widely used experimental model systems for viral infections - non-cytopathic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and acutely cytopathic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) - to analyse two fundamentally different types of antiviral antibody response. The basic principles found in these model infections are discussed in the context of other viral infections, and with regard to protective neutralizing versus non-protective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-detected antibody responses. Issues of antibody specificity, affinity and avidity, maturation and escape are discussed in the context of co-evolution of the host and viruses.
Related Concept Videos
Humoral Immune Responses
Affinity and Avidity
Cross-reactivity
Antibody Actions
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

